2016 NHL Free Agency: Top 10 restricted free agents

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 12

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Nathan MacKinnon

The Colorado Avalanche have a very easy decision to make about Nathan MacKinnon. He’s a keeper and they need to lock him for long as possible. They have the cap space to give him a huge contract, but with the team at a huge crossroads, perhaps a long-term contract isn’t what MacKinnon necessarily wants. A bridge deal, however, makes a lot of sense.

MacKinnon still hasn’t realized his full potential. Even after getting 52 points in 72 games in 2015-16, he could still be better and he knows it. Since entering the league, he has been among the top 100 forwards in relative Corsi For percentage and in points per 60 minutes (both at even strength).

Secondly, even if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal, he’s still in a very good position to make a lot of money short-term and more money long-term. A contract comparable for him would be Ryan Johansen of the Nashville Predators. Johansen signed a three year deal worth $12 million before the 2014-15 season. That sounds about right for MacKinnon as well.

If he wants to go long-term, the average annual value could jump into the $6 million per season range. However, before MacKinnon signs long-term, he will likely want to have a little more faith in the future of the Avalanche.

Next: 8. Mark Scheifele

Home/Boston Bruins